Launch an Innovation Lab for Social Services
In collaboration with the Executive Director and key team leads, we created an innovation lab to design processes, products, and other pragmatic interventions for other nonprofits and government agencies.
The client
A small nonprofit
Results that matter
In collaboration with the Executive Director and key team leads, we created an innovation lab to design processes, products, and other pragmatic interventions for other nonprofits and government agencies.
How we did it
When we say we build design-driven organizations, this is what we are talking about. We started by teaching basic design practices, like brainstorming, prototyping, research, and user testing. We picked a couple small projects and helped them apply what they learned. We sketched out the methodology and helped them plan more projects using what they learned. We took the time to help them get comfortable with ambiguity, iteration, and refinement. Eventually, the training wheels came off and the team uses design practices to create unexpected value for their clients.
When: 2016
Lead Innovation Projects for Social Services
Leading the design process to create interventions that build strength and wellness for families experiencing poverty.
The client
A small nonprofit
Results that matter
Leading the design process to create interventions that build strength and wellness for families experiencing poverty.
How we did it
We helped our client Launch an Innovation Lab and they asked us to stick around to integrate the design process into the nonprofit and smooth the pathway to becoming a design-led company. While we help do the work, we’re coaching and training along the way so that the team is prepared to scale and lead the design process all on their own too. We like to make sure the work we do stays alive, so no tossing this one over the fence and hoping it keeps going – we’re working right alongside them to help overcome any barriers as they design a new way of working to achieve their mission.